Microwave assisted solvent free green preparation and physicochemical characterization of surfactant-anchored cellulose and its relevance toward the effective adsorption of chromium.

The molecular interaction between tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) and cellulose and its potential application for the adsorption of chromium is discussed in this paper. The biosorbent was prepared under solvent free conditions using microwave irradiation. A subtle balance between electrostatic and the hydrophobic effects governs the interaction of biopolymer with the surfactant.